Poetry Blooms in Ridgefield: Festival Celebrates Marginalized Voices at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield’s historic Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) is once again transforming its walled garden into a vibrant stage for verse, rhythm and truth. The fifth annual "Poetry in the Garden Festival" opens July 7 and runs through the end of the month, bringing four Monday evenings of powerful poetry from some of the nation’s most celebrated—and courageous—literary voices.

Founded and curated by Ridgefield Poet Laureate Emerita Barb Jennes, the festival has evolved into a cornerstone of the town’s summer arts scene. This year’s theme, “Voices from Marginalized America,” aligns closely with the Museum's mission of telling the full, often complicated, story of American history.

“The Museum has really embraced the festival under its humanities programming,” Jennes told Patch. “They’re committed to telling historical truths—even the uncomfortable ones. This festival supports that effort while bringing world-class poets to town.”

The readings, which are free and open to the public, take place in the Museum’s lush walled garden at 7 p.m. each Monday in July. They are accompanied by music, dance, and even a world-premiere musical performance—making the event as much a cultural happening as a literary gathering.

The festival kicks off on July 7 with “Indigenous Voices,” headlined by Kimberly Blaeser and Denise Low, both acclaimed poets and former state laureates with Native American roots. The evening also features a dance performance by Natasha Gambrell, a tribal councilor for the Eastern Pequot Nation, who will explain traditional dances in an earlier session from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

July 14 spotlights “Immigrant Voices,” with readings from National Book Award winner Martín Espada and Korean-American poet Joan Kwon Glass. Before the readings, audiences can enjoy live Brazilian jazz with Nanny Assis and Arthur Lipner.

July 21 honors “LGBTQ+ Voices,” with powerhouse poets Mark Doty and Trace Peterson. In addition to their readings, the night features the winners of the Ridgefield Pride Poetry Contest. Doty will also lead an afternoon workshop that day on writing authentically from one’s identity, an offering open to writers of all levels.

The festival closes on July 28 with “Black Voices,” led by Danez Smith, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and Mahogany L. Browne, author of the award-winning "Chrome Valley: Poems." A unique highlight of the evening will be the world premiere of a musical adaptation of Tracy K. Smith’s powerful blackout poem “Declaration,” scored by composer Andrew Levine and performed by Black vocalists accompanied by traditional banjo.

“It’s going to be a real knockout,” said Jennes, who noted the sensory beauty of the venue only heightens the experience. “You smell the flowers, hear the birds, see butterflies. One year, a butterfly even landed on a poet mid-reading.”

Workshops with Doty, Espada, and Smith are available on their respective reading dates from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in KTM&HC’s Garden House. For the workshops, attendance is capped at 25 and costs $115, with student discounts available.

Despite the rising costs of arts programming, Jennes and the museum have committed to keeping the evening readings free. “It’s a point of pride,” said Jennes. “We want everyone to experience poetry in this incredible setting.”

For a full schedule and to register for workshops or the July 7 dance session, visit the KTM&HC website.